The design of the Makaan-class destroyer, while thinner than the Imperial-class, is better able to handle weapon emplacements, due to the large surfaces that allow available firepower to more easily cover all every axis than the Imperial-class. It also allows for a greater amount of firepower and the ability to have them powered with the minimal expense of space.

Due to the advanced nature of it's systems, the same kind of systems used in the Ferrin Sha-class Heavy Battlecruiser, the crew to run the Makaan is also less than the ISD's, and can even be run by the AI alone. Like the Ferrin Sha's systems, they were designed to run fully on as little power as possible, and with fail-safes, in the event that one route for supplying power was cut off, another route would take it's place. The result was that in the event that extra power was needed, it could be harnessed. Since the Makaan was not designed to carry a super laser, and has fewer weapons, it can recharge faster.

The armor plating is another difference. Bigger ships are easier to hit, and therefor require better armor. Since the Makaan is not as large, subsequently harder to target, and faster, the armor was also a point of difference, though still very much able to take a beating. Because the armor is lighter, it aided in it's speed.

Ships of this class haven't really seen much in the way of combat duty as they are a relatively new breed of ship. So far the biggest extent of their duty has been patrol and picket duties.